Lindiwe Zulu, Minister of Social Development, received a warm welcome from Mfesane members on Tuesday 8 February.
In the course of this week she is conducting a series of visits on the West Coast focusing on public participation programmes and the youth.
Zulu made her first stop at Mfesane, a National Development Agency (NDA)-funded youth development organisation that renders personal development, training, economic and work opportunities for the youth.
Mfesane shared with the minister more about its programmes and the progress it is making.
Some members also shared their testimonials on how Mfesane and the Department of Social Development played a role in their lives by helping make them the successful business owners they are today.
Ahead of her visit, the youth in Velddrif hosted a gathering where they raised issues such as substance abuse, teenage pregnancy, unemployment and more.
Proceedings then moved to the Multi-purpose Centre in Saldanha, where the youth raised their concerns and issues to Zulu.
She said she is encouraged by the young people she engages with who are committed to taking opportunities and changing their lives and providing for their families.
“The Department of Social Development and its agencies will respond to partner with other stakeholders to respond to issues raised here by young people,” she said. “We will be back and youth development services will be delivered.”
At the end of the proceedings Zulu gifted protective and sanitary wear to Mfesane.
